Architecture et Construction - Arc et Voûte

the inclined or sloping portion of an arch, beam, or lintel that provides additional support and stability to the structure, typically located near the springing point or the midpoint of the span

sommet

a stone located at the top center of an arch, keeping all the other stones together

clef de voûte

the decorative topmost part of a building, typically located at the roofline or the highest point of a structure

faîte

a wedge-shaped stone or masonry unit that is used to construct an arch or a vault

voussoir

the outer or upper surface of an arch, vault, or similar curved structural element

extrados

the lowest voussoir, or wedge-shaped stone, of an arch or vault that rests on the impost or support

clé de voûte

the vertical distance or height between the springing point and the highest point of the arch

hauteur

the uppermost horizontal element or block that supports the weight of an arch or vault

impôt

the point on a structure where an arch or vault begins to curve or rise

point de départ

an imaginary horizontal line that connects the springing points of a series of arches or vaults

ligne de départ

the inner or lower curve of an arch or vault

intrados

the area between two supports of a bridge or arch

portée

a self-supporting structure formed by two diagonal members meeting at an apex, creating a triangular shape between two supports

arc triangulaire

an architectural arch created by projecting and overlapping stones or bricks that gradually step inward until they meet at the top, forming a curved structure without the use of a central support

arc en corbeau

a horizontal or near-horizontal beam supported by vertical supports, commonly used to span openings in construction

arc plat

a semicircular architectural element that was widely used in ancient Roman buildings, known for its structural stability and iconic design

arc romain

a U-shaped architectural element with inward-curving ends, often seen in Islamic and Moorish architecture, prized for its aesthetic beauty

arc en fer à cheval

a pointed arch with three overlapping cusps or lobes at the top, commonly seen in Gothic architecture for its decorative and intricate design

arche tréflé

a narrow, pointed arch shape commonly used in Gothic architecture

arc en lancette

an architectural element that forms a partial curve, resembling a segment of a circle, and is commonly used to span openings such as doors and windows

arc segmentaire

an architectural element that features a double-curvature shape, characterized by two opposite curves meeting at a point

arc en ogive

a monumental architectural structure, often with a large central arch and smaller side arches, designed to commemorate and celebrate significant events or military victories

arc de triomphe

a gently curved architectural element with three distinct centers of curvature, commonly used in Renaissance and Gothic Revival styles for its aesthetic appeal

arc à trois centres

an architectural element characterized by a smoothly curved shape that resembles an elongated ellipse, often used in classical and neoclassical architecture

arc elliptique

an architectural element that features a concave curve at the top and a convex curve at the bottom, forming an inverted "S" shape

arc ogival inversé

a wide, flattened pointed arch commonly found in Tudor and Elizabethan architecture, adding a distinctively elegant and decorative touch to buildings

arc Tudor

a curved architectural element shaped like a parabola, known for its structural strength and aesthetically pleasing design

arc parabolique

a curved or pointed arch-like element that has a smooth, continuous curve without any sharp angles

ogive

an architectural element characterized by a sharp, pointed shape formed by two curved segments that meet at the apex

arc aigu

an architectural construction that consists of a series of intersecting stone ribs that form a skeletal framework supporting the vaulted ceiling

voûte en ogive

an architectural feature that consists of a series of arched ribs or arches that intersect to form a structural framework supporting a vaulted ceiling

voûte à nervures

an architectural feature characterized by a complex network of stone ribs radiating from a central point, creating a fan-like pattern in the ceiling or vault

voûte en éventail

a long, continuous, and semi-cylindrical arched ceiling often found in Roman, Byzantine, and Romanesque architecture, providing structural support and creating spacious interiors

voûte en berceau

an architectural element formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults, commonly seen in Gothic and Renaissance architecture for structural strength and aesthetic appeal

voûte en croisée d'ogives

a ribbed architectural feature with intersecting stone ribs, commonly seen in cloisters and monastic buildings, offering both structural support and decorative elements

voûte en cloître

an architectural element characterized by a circular or ring-shaped ceiling formed by a series of arches or vaults arranged in a circular pattern

voûte annulaire

an architectural feature characterized by a series of thin, self-supporting clay tiles or bricks arranged in a herringbone pattern to create a vaulted ceiling

voûte catalane

a support structure or component that bears the weight and forces of an arch, bridge, or similar structure, typically located at the ends or sides of the structure

abutment

a type of ceiling structure that is formed when two rounded vaults intersect at a right angle, commonly used in Gothic architecture

Croisée d'ogive

a section of the vaulted surface that is divided or segmented

panneau

an additional supporting element that runs parallel to the main ribs or primary arches of the vault

côte secondaire

the triangular or curved space between an arch and the surrounding vertical supports, typically filled with decorative elements or panels

spandrel

a small arch or corbelled structure that is used to create a smooth transition from a square or polygonal base to a circular or domed shape above

squinch